Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the widening and strengthening of roads have made the Char Dham Yatra more accessible, safer and convenient for pilgrims.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that Dhami addressed devotees at Vanaprastha Ashram in Yamkeshwar during a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. He said the Shrimad Bhagwat represents the teachings of Lord Krishna and guides people towards righteousness, knowledge and devotion while giving a positive direction to life.
He said several ambitious and welfare-oriented projects are being implemented to promote religious and cultural tourism in the state. Dhami highlighted development works such as construction of ghats along the Yamuna river in the Kalsi–Haripur region, the Sharda Corridor, the Haridwar–Rishikesh Corridor, and the establishment of a Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University. He said these initiatives are strengthening both the state’s economy and its cultural identity.
Local MLA Renu Bisht welcomed the Chief Minister and said that continuous efforts and effective governance by the state government have accelerated development work in the Yamkeshwar region, bringing direct benefits to the people.
On the occasion, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, who was delivering the Bhagwat Katha from the Vyas Peeth, spoke about the spiritual, cultural and moral significance of the Shrimad Bhagwat and encouraged devotees to follow the path of faith, righteousness and good conduct.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Ashram, said the Bhagwat Katha is not merely a religious gathering but a powerful platform that inspires society towards moral values, service and the highest ideals of humanity.
Meanwhile, the portals of Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham were ceremonially opened for devotees on Sunday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals. With this, the Char Dham Yatra 2026 in Uttarakhand has officially begun.
The portals of Kedarnath Dham, considered a sacred centre of faith and devotion, will open for pilgrims for the 2026 Yatra on April 22 at 8 am.
Also read: Portals of Gangotri, Yamunotri Dham open for devotees
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